Denver, CO – The Colorado Avalanche have agreed to terms with forward Matt Duchene on a five-year contract extension.
The deal is reportedly worth $30 million.
Duchene had 17 goals and a team-high 26 assists in 47 games last season. The center finished tied for the Avalanche scoring lead with 43 points.
"Matt already is and will be a big part of our team's nucleus for the long term," said Avalanche executive vice president of hockey operations Joe Sakic. "We all felt that it was important for us to secure his rights for several seasons. With his great skills, speed and character, he represents the identity we want the Avalanche to be."
The Avalanche selected Duchene with the third overall pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He has recorded 82 goals and 111 assists in 266 games with the franchise.
Duchene was an All-Rookie selection and a Calder Trophy finalist in 2009-10. He became the youngest player in franchise history to reach 100 career points, doing so at the age of 20 years, 10 days in January of 2011.
"In 2009, I was thrilled to have been selected by the Avalanche, my favorite team," Duchene said. "I have worn this uniform with pride in my first four professional seasons in Denver, and I appreciate the organization believing in me for the long-term future.
"I have been working really hard again this summer, and I am looking forward to the upcoming training camp and season."
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